Government awards Scouts funding for work in deprived areas

Posted on Sunday, March 23rd, 2014

The Chancellor today announced a share of £10 million funding will be awarded to The Scout Association to increase the opportunities available to young people, particularly in disadvantaged areas.

We are delighted that the work we’ve undertaken over the past 18 months in disadvantaged parts of the UK, recruiting 267 new volunteers and over 1,300 new young members, has been recognised and prioritised by the government.

We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Youth United Foundation – to whom the funding has been awarded – to improve the life chances of even more young people from some of the UK’s most challenged communities.

Investment from the Youth United Foundation previously has given Scouting the opportunity to extend its reach into six of England’s toughest neighbourhoods. Young people in these areas really benefit from Scouting as it gives them focus, drive and life skills.

83rd Oldham Cub Pack was one of the first Groups in England to receive a start up grant to help bring it back to the community, which has little offering for young people, after it folded in 1998. The money helped go towards uniforms, camping and sport kit.

Cub Scout Leader Gail Smith says ‘I love seeing their faces light up. Some of them have never gone on a holiday, never stayed away from home or been away from the estate. Scouting is broadening their horizons. They are really blossoming; increasing in confidence; becoming more outgoing and assertive.’

The Youth United Network is The Scout Association, Girlguiding, St John Ambulance, the Army Cadet Force, Sea Cadets, the Boys’ Brigade, the Girls’ Brigade, the Volunteer Police Cadets, the Fire Cadets and the RAF Air Cadets.